U.S. to Renew Rivalry vs. Mexico on Feb. 7 in Glendale, Ariz.

NewsDec 14, 2006

CHICAGO (December 13, 2006) — The U.S. Men’s National Team will renew their long rivalry against regional rival Mexico on, Feb. 7, 2007, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The match is the first for new U.S. head coach Bob Bradley against the USA’s fiercest rival and will be played on the first international fixture date of 2007. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Univision beginning at 7 p.m. MT. Fans can also follow the match live online via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

Advance ticket prices for the game start at $28 and will go on sale to the public beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. MT at ussoccer.com, all Glendale area Ticketmaster outlets (including Macy’s, Fry’s Marketplace and FYE), the University of Phoenix Stadium ticket office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and by phone at 480-784-4444. Groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets by calling U.S. Soccer at 312-528-1290 or obtaining a group order form at ussoccer.com. Day-of-game ticket prices will be higher than advance ticket purchases.

"I'm excited to be a part of my first game against Mexico," said Bradley. "There is a great history to the rivalry, and I know it is always a special game for the players and fans. It is a great opportunity to see how our players respond against a challenging opponent."

The U.S. has dominated the series of late, collecting a 6-0-1 home record against Mexico since 2000. During that span, the USA has netted 11 goals, while the Mexicans have failed to score a single goal on American soil in this decade. In the team’s last meeting, the U.S. used a 2-0 victory on Sept. 3, 2005, in Columbus, Ohio to become the first team in CONCACAF to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The U.S. has a lifetime record of 12-29-10 against Mexico in a series that dates to 1934, but has compiled a 10-6-8 advantage in home matches since 1957. Since the rivalry between these two teams began in earnest in 1990, the sides have played 24 times, with the U.S. holding a 10-7-7 advantage. In the team’s most significant matchup, the United States defeated Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, advancing the U.S. to the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time in 72 years.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will be making its first appearance at the University of Phoenix Stadium and only their third overall in the state of Arizona. The U.S. last played in the Grand Canyon State more than 12 years ago, defeating Norway 2-1 at Sun Devil Stadium on January 15, 1994 in Tempe. In their only other match, also in Tempe, the U.S. drew 2-2 with Denmark on Jan. 20, 1993.

Coincidentally, the USA will open its 2007 schedule against Denmark on Jan. 20 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. (tickets). Along with a series of friendlies, the United States will compete in two major championships next summer. The three-time champions will first try to defend their title against 11 other teams at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, scheduled from June 6-24 in several cities across the United States. Just a few days later, the U.S. will participate in the 2007 Copa America, the regional championship of South America. The 12-team tournament will run from June 26 to July 15 in nine cities across Venezuela. For the United States, the appearance will mark their third entrance into CONMEBOL’s signature event.